I
am writing this newsletter this last night of February from
home and not from Nigeria where I had planned on and had hoped
to be. But Father, my heavenly Father God, knows best. As I
had been making preparations for this trip during December,
January and especially this month, things were not coming together.
Funding did not come in for my trip expenses, not to mention
the expenses of taking the whole family, nor did any medical
supplies materialize. And on top of all that, my mindset never
changed as it always does when I am taking a trip in anticipation
of the changes in lifestyle, eating, drinking, sleeping, habits,
etc., that take place on one of these trips.

But,
I kept putting fleece out before the Lord, even changing dates,
holding out to the very last minute even when I knew that the
Lord had closed the door on this trip. Why? Because even now,
my heart is there wishing, willing, desiring to be where God
has called us to work among the people that God has called us
to serve.

Two
Closed Doors

Why
the closed door? Two reasons became apparent this month, even
though I did not want to acknowledge them initially because
I was so focused on making this trip as regularly scheduled!
First and foremost, all three of our children, Robert, Lauren,
and Kristen were baptized this last Sunday night of February,
publicly confessing that they had accepted Jesus Christ as
their Savior and are committed to making Him Lord of their lives.
This is not a ball game or piano recital that I would be missing,
but the most monumental moment in their lives that I could not
miss, that my heavenly Father would not let me miss! I thank
you for it, Lord. Secondly, the week before I had originally
intended to leave, I began having some medical problems that
required fairly immediate attention, which I received this past
week and am now back to 100 percent. Because, Father Knows Best.

Whatís
Next?

So
what is next? We still very much want to return to Nigeria as
a family this year and preferably before the fall, but as to
specifics, we have none yet. So please, make it a matter of
prayer with us that we will be mindful of His leading as God
directs our steps where and when He wants us to go.

Van
Appeal = $10,000

There
is rejoicing in the camp this month as we have exceeded our
goal for the van in monies and pledges. Thank you for your sacrificial
giving to provide this much needed transportation.

Received
= $ 5,126Pledged = 5,000

Thank
You

Our
thanks as well to all of you who contributed to this ministry
during these past few months, designating your offerings toward
this tripís expenses or for the shoes and soap packets. Please
be assured that your funds will be set aside and reserved for
use for what they were specified for at a later date and not
used for any other project or expense. We so appreciate your
faithfulness and belief in your support of this ministry. May
God richly bless and prosper you in all that you endeavor to
do for Him.